IEEE Std 586-1980 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE 586-1980 — "IEEE Standard Definitions of Laser‑Maser Terms". A vocabulary/definitions standard that establishes agreed terminology for lasers and masers (optical and microwave coherent sources), intended to provide consistent definitions for technical documents, specifications, teaching materials and standards work related to laser and maser technology.

Abstract

No formal abstract is provided by the issuing body. In common summary, the document is a concise compiled list of terms and their definitions relevant to laser and maser technology (beam characteristics, resonator and cavity concepts, active media, modes, pumping, coherence and related vocabulary), published to harmonize language used by engineers, scientists and standards authors.

General information

• Status: Inactive — Withdrawn (inactive/withdrawn by IEEE Standards Association).
• Publication date: 22 August 1980 (published). Withdrawn date: 6 December 1990.
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• ICS / categories: Optoelectronics / Laser equipment vocabulary (electronics/vocabularies grouping; listed under optoelectronics / laser equipment categories).
• Edition / version: IEEE Std 586-1980 (first published edition, 1980).
• Number of pages: Approximately 11 pages (document length commonly listed as 11 pages in distribution/catalog records).

Scope

The standard compiles and defines terms used in the fields of lasers and masers to promote consistent usage across technical literature, specifications, test reports and educational material. It focuses on definitional and vocabulary content (not on test methods or safety limits). Where appropriate, terms from contemporary American national guidance (for example earlier ANSI laser-related material) were incorporated to provide continuity between safety guidance and technical vocabulary. The scope is limited to terminology rather than prescriptive performance, safety limits or measurement procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized definitions for fundamental laser/maser concepts: gain medium, resonator, stimulated emission, population inversion, optical pumping, threshold, spontaneous vs. stimulated emission.
• Definitions of beam and output characteristics: coherence (temporal and spatial), monochromaticity, divergence, beam quality and mode structure.
• Terminology for resonator and mode descriptions: longitudinal and transverse modes, cavity finesse, Q‑factor, mode volume.
• Vocabulary covering maser and microwave‑frequency coherent sources alongside optical lasers, enabling cross‑discipline clarity.
• Note: the document defines terms only and does not itself mandate performance, measurement procedures, or safety requirements.

Typical use and users

Used as a reference vocabulary by engineers and scientists working with lasers and masers, standards writers, technical editors, textbook authors, educators and librarians who require authoritative definitions. Historically useful to designers, system integrators, test laboratories and regulatory or standards committees when aligning terminology across documents. Because it is withdrawn, users consult it mainly for historical reference or to understand terminology used in older literature and specifications.

Related standards

Related documents include national and international laser safety and terminology standards and other IEEE vocabulary standards. Earlier or contemporaneous ANSI/industry guidance on laser safety and terminology is connected (for example ANSI laser‑safety related standards from the era are referenced in historical summaries). For up‑to‑date safety or measurement practice, users should consult current ANSI Z136 series (laser safety) and current IEEE laser/optical standards rather than this withdrawn vocabulary standard.

Keywords

laser, maser, terminology, definitions, vocabulary, coherence, resonator, gain medium, mode, beam quality, optical pumping, stimulated emission, IEEE vocabulary.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE Std 586-1980 is an IEEE vocabulary/definitions standard titled "IEEE Standard Definitions of Laser‑Maser Terms" that compiles agreed definitions for terms used in laser and maser technology.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers terminology and definitions for lasers and masers (beam properties, resonator concepts, active media, modes and related vocabulary). It is a definitions resource rather than a test method, safety specification or performance standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Engineers, researchers, standards authors, technical editors, educators and librarians—anyone needing consistent, authoritative definitions for laser/maser terminology, or those consulting historical documents that reference IEEE 586‑1980.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is not current. IEEE 586‑1980 was published on 22 August 1980 and later made inactive/withdrawn (withdrawn on 6 December 1990). Users requiring current terminology or safety/measurement practice should refer to more recent IEEE and ANSI/ISO documents.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The standard is one of IEEE's vocabulary/terminology standards within the electronics/optoelectronics grouping and was prepared under the IEEE Lasers & Electro‑Optics (LEO) committee. It stands as a dedicated vocabulary document for lasers/masers rather than as a numbered "series" of successive revisions; no direct active successor standard is listed on the IEEE record.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Laser, maser, vocabulary, definitions, coherence, resonator, gain medium, mode, beam divergence, stimulated emission.